Barton County Health Department will begin administering vaccines to prevent influenza for area residents on Monday, Sept. 19, during regular business hours on a walk-in basis. Flu vaccine available at the health department this year protects against four strains of influenza including:
• A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus,
• A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus,
• B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus (B/Victoria lineage), and a
• B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage).
Barton County Health Department has scheduled community outreach for influenza and pneumonia vaccinations for Tuesday, Sept. 27, and Wednesday, Sept. 28. Department staff will be providing regular and high dose for adults and children, and pneumonia vaccine, on Sept. 27, at Susank Agco Corporation from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.; at Beaver Fire Station 10 – 11 a.m.; at Odin Store 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.; and at Claflin Fire Station 1 – 2 p.m.
On Sept. 28, department staff will be providing vaccines at Galatia Fire Station 8 – 9 a.m.; at The New Place in Olmitz 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.; at Albert City Building 1 - 2 p.m.; and at Pawnee Rock City Office 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
The composition of U.S. flu vaccines is reviewed annually and updated to match circulating flu viruses. Getting a flu shot is the best protection against getting influenza for everyone 6 months of age and older. A high dose formula for adults age 65 and older will be available at the health department, as well as standard flu shots.
If a business, worksite, club or civic group is interested in scheduling a flu shot outreach onsite for workers or members call Barton County Health Department for scheduling. If someone is homebound, or not able to walk into the health department, call and we will make arrangements to visit your home, or meet you at your vehicle in our parking lot to administer a flu shot.
Caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age, and anyone with a loved one who has a high risk of complications due to influenza, should get their flu shots to prevent spreading the illness to those who are vulnerable. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of developing flu complications, and their close contacts.
Area residents are encouraged to visit with their health care provider and get the flu shot most appropriate for them, or come to the health department clinic or outreach to be immunized against influenza before the 2016-2017 flu season starts.
CDC has also issued updated recommendations for people who have egg allergies:
• People who have experienced only hives after exposure to egg can get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health.
• People who have symptoms other than hives after exposure to eggs, such as angioedema, respiratory distress, lightheadedness, or recurrent emesis; or who have needed epinephrine or another emergency medical intervention, also can get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health, but the vaccine should be given in a medical setting and be supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions. Settings include hospitals and physician offices. People with egg allergies no longer have to wait 30 minutes after receiving their vaccine.
For more information contact Barton County Health Department at 620-793-1902.